The national flower has been officially announced as the Water Lily, commonly known as the Manel flower.

Until now, the Blue Water Lily was recognised as the national flower. Director of the Biodiversity Secratariat, Padma Abeykoon said that the approval in this regard, was granted by the cabinet.

The Manel flower was chosen by an expert panel, after considering several key factors at length. Environmentalists point out that the Blue Water Lily, was incorrectly recognised as the national flower.

The Manel flower consists of light blue and white petals and is commonly found in the dry zone in aquatic environments. Padhma Abeykoon noted that the Manel flower, which is indigenous to Sri Lanka, has less petals.

She added that a programme is underway to inform the school students and general public of this matter. In February 1986 Nil Manel or blue water lily (Nymphaea stellata, though it has been recently renamed as Nymphaea nouchali) was chosen as the National flower. Nil Manel is found all the part of Sri Lanka and grows in the shallow water.